Always ready to spring into action

Death of friend opened his eyes to life's uncertainty

Alice High School senior Tres "T.J." Cantu Jr. said the most
pressing challenge in his life right now is moving forward, following
the recent death of a good friend and teammate.

"Losing him really opened my eyes," Tres said. "It made me realize
there are so many unexpected things in life, things you don't have
answers for that are difficult. It's made me want to live life to the
fullest, and I don't ever want to look back and say 'I should have done
that.' "

According to teachers and coaches, there isn't much he can't do.

Tres is one of two area seniors selected as a winner in the
Caller-Times South Texas Distinguished Scholars Student Athlete
category. He excels at juggling the hectic schedule of Advanced
Placement coursework with physical challenges on the football field,
said Marissa Kubala, National Honor Society adviser and AP English
teacher at Alice High School.

His English teacher calls his classroom commentary a springboard for
student discussions and his athletic coaches say he springs into action
at any position.

"I'm a vocal person," he said. "I'm not shy and I don't like to
procrastinate - much."

The curly haired, 6-foot, 200-pound 17-year-old is ranked 18th out
of 394 students with a 4.85 grade point average on a 5.0 scale - this
with Advanced Placement coursework in math, science and English.

A combination of academic workload and athletic prowess caught the
judges' attention, said Anne Baker, the executive director of the Boys
& Girls Club of Corpus Christi who helped choose the
student-athlete winners.

Alice High School Athletic Director Brent Davis said Tres is a team
leader, whether in football, baseball, track or power weightlifting.
"He's a fantastic all-around kid."

"I never say no," Tres said. "If they say 'You want to run a mile?'
there I go. My dad taught me to never say no, because you never know
when you might find something you like."

Last year, Tres' football prowess led to him being selected
all-district for offensive line. His coaches say he needs no
coaching.

"Tres never misses, is never late and is always energetic," said
football coach Tom Essex. "Dependability is a cornerstone of his
persona. We simply guide him."

He wants to study business at the University of Texas.

"But I don't want to sit at a desk pushing paperwork," he said. "I
need to keep adventure alive in me."

According to his mother, Ruby Soza, Tres has always been
adventurous, but she also urged him to value academic achievement.

"I guess making him write spelling words five times in a row all
those years worked," she said.